Evidence

There is considerable evidence on the importance of involving
children and young people in issues that affect their lives.
Adopting an approach to children's services which is based upon
children's rights will enhance the wellbeing of our children and
young people.

The recent report on
the
State of Children's Rights in Scotland from Together (the
Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights)
[3] presents a clear case for focusing our efforts, amongst
other areas, on education, leisure, cultural activities, health and
wellbeing, disability and welfare, violence reduction, family
environment and alternative care.

There have been several studies over the years that have
identified best practice models in the participation of children
and young people with 36 different models identified between 1969
and 2012
[4]. The feature of most of these models is to consider how to
move away from what is often identified as limited, tokenistic,
consultative approaches, towards real engagement, where
"participation is about how children's voices, contribution and
agency are perceived, heard, and acted upon."
[5]

Despite the evidence about why participation is important and
having a wide array of models available to choose from practice is
still patchy. In Edinburgh, there are two evidence based approaches
currently in use with the Children's Parliament working with
children aged up to 14 and Young Edinburgh Action, working with
young people aged 11 and over. Both of these approaches adopt
rights based approaches which are based on meaningful engagement of
children and young people.

Recent research on the approach adopted by Young Edinburgh
Action concluded that "The strength of this approach ensures the
engagement of young people within the work of the Council and its
partners in a way which is co-productive, dynamic and responsive to
current legislation."
[6] Similarly, the work of the Children's Parliament has been
recognised by Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights)
talking of how it "demonstrates the possibilities for how
children's voices can be included in local and global dialogue, if
adults are willing to invest the time and resources needed to
create appropriate and supportive opportunities for children to
engage and to listen to and value their contributions. Children's
voices should have a ripple effect, influencing life in those
spheres closest to them as well as the wider discussions of
national and global significance."
[7]

The Edinburgh Children's Partnership was keen to build on the
work of these evidence based approaches in taking forward this
pilot in recognition of the considerable work that has already
taken place around the participation of children and young people
in Scotland. The difference with this pilot is to consider how
participation can be achieved in the planning of children's
services and most importantly how it can be sustained.